**Reminder: This was written in a country where it is not appropriate to use certain words.**
We were truly able to experience and take part in Indian culture. From Punjabis (women's dress- pants, long shirt, and scarf) and men's dress everyday to wild rickshaw (local taxis) rides to Indian cuisine and yummy chai tea. We were welcomed with open arms by the group that became like family at the base we stayed. There were relationships built that will stay connected through email and internet. We nearly lost our teammate Fleur who was rather tempted to stay. Though, in reality, a few of us are pr*ying about returning and staffing a school at the base in Jaipur in the future.
Every night the first week was spent leading each of the homegroups for a local ch*rch. Each night night was filled with w*rship, sermons, testimonies, script*ral stories, skits and pr*yer for those who needed. Each night seemed more powerful than the last as we allowed the H.S. to lead. That Sunday we shared during the service and two of us lead the children's class in songs, skits, and stories. The congreg*tion was so loving and encouraging and encouraged by all that G*d did through us.
A college event was organized for us. It was a powerful night encouraging them not only to know they are forgiven and the freedom in that, but to really walk in that freedom, and to bring into the light any s*n that is keeping them from it.
For a few days we left Jaipur to visit some other works being done in other areas. First was a drug and alcohol rehab center in Jodhpur. The center actually began in Spain and has branched out to other nations. Again, we were able to see the great work being done there and encourage them. In addition, we lead a meeting for a women's group while there. We then moved on to Ajmer, a very important location for M*slim beli*evers, with a m*sque and tomb of one of their pr*phets. We met with some that were serving in this area. It was a very intense place, with large amounts of beggers and M*slim tourists. We went through the m*sque with our heads covered and our shoes off.
The girls were also given the chance to spend time with Emily, an American woman, not much older than them, who is serving long term at the base in Jaipur. She is married with one child and one on the way to an Indian man who is the director of the base. It was a great opportunity to hear her story and her experiences as a wife and mother in a foreign land, being away from home, her struggles, and her joys. Getting to live with a group that were all serving long term was a highlight for all of us. It was exactly what this school is about- meeting and getting to know firsthand, long term servants and what that looks like. As previously stated, they became like family, our India family. There is no doubt we each left India changed.
With love and thanks,
The Middle East team
Jed, Fleur, John, Shannon, Sheryl, and Wanda
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